The 2028 Slater Award

As we look ahead to the World Butchers’ Challenge in Brisbane in 2028, we’re introducing a new award recognising the people whose contribution to butchery reaches well beyond the competition floor.

The Slater Award has been established in honour of WBC founder Rod Slater and the lasting contribution he has made to the international butchery community. It will recognise an individual who has helped advance the retail butchery industry and made a meaningful difference to the people within it.

Following Rod’s retirement, we wanted to recognise the qualities he brought to his work throughout his career. His leadership, support for others and commitment to moving the profession forward helped shape WBC into the event and community it is today. This award carries that spirit into our next chapter.

Across our industry, there are people whose influence can be seen in the careers they have helped develop, the ideas they have championed and the connections they have built. The Slater Award is an opportunity to recognise that contribution and share it with the wider WBC community.

The recipient will be presented with a Māori patu at the World Butchers’ Challenge Gala Dinner in Brisbane in 2028, bringing the international community together to celebrate their contribution.

In the lead-up to Brisbane, we encourage our participating nations, industry representatives and wider WBC community to consider who they would like to nominate. We’re looking for someone with a strong connection to international retail butchery whose work has had a lasting impact beyond their own business or individual career.

Nominations close on 31 October 2027, after which the WBC Board will review eligible submissions and select the recipient.

Read the Slater Award overview for the full criteria and details on how to nominate.